5 June 2025, Ludhiana
In a strong demonstration of grassroots engagement, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, began his Punjab visit with a hands-on field visit to a progressive farmer's field in Kheri, Patiala district under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan.
Observing successful adoption of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) and in-situ crop residue management technologies, the Minister interacted directly with farmers and appreciated their role in pioneering environmentally sustainable farming. This visit exemplified the campaign’s core mission bridging the gap between research institutions and rural fields.
Following the field interaction, Shri Chouhan visited Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Rauni, Patiala, where he participated in a vibrant Kisan Chaupal, witnessed live demonstrations of advanced agro-technologies, and addressed a large gathering of farmers, scientists, and extension officials. Emphasizing the pivotal role of KVKs in bringing research closer to the realities of Indian agriculture, he urged over 16,000 agricultural scientists across the country to step beyond laboratories and engage directly with farmers. “Policies must originate from the field, not from air-conditioned offices,” he remarked, reiterating the government’s commitment to field-based, participatory research.
The Minister praised Punjab's leadership in climate-smart agriculture, particularly the large-scale promotion of DSR, terming it a “Sanjeevani” for the state’s depleting groundwater reserves. He called for the adoption of resource-conserving technologies nationwide and emphasized the dangers of indiscriminate pesticide use.
Punjab Agriculture Minister, S. Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, highlighted the exemplary environmental consciousness of Punjab’s farmers, including instances where stubble burning had been eliminated for over a decade. He also brought to the Minister's attention key issues such as shortfalls in DAP fertilizer and partial compensation under crop diversification, requesting urgent intervention.
Senior dignitaries present included Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General, (ICAR); Dr. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR; and Dr. S. S. Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, Ludhiana. Dr. Jat emphasized the need to tailor agricultural solutions at the local level through KVKs, while Dr. Rajbir Singh reiterated ICAR’s mission to transform trials into triumphs through robust extension systems.
Later, at Amargarh, the Union Minister inaugurated an exhibition of climate-resilient agricultural machinery and participated in a symbolic tree plantation drive to mark World Environment Day. He also visited a leading farm mechanization unit to assess grassroots-level innovations in agri-tools, reinforcing the importance of mechanized and climate-resilient farming practices.
The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, launched to forge convergence between research, policy, and practice, is gaining significant momentum through the dynamic involvement of KVKs. These centers are emerging as catalysts in disseminating technologies like DSR, promoting residue management, and facilitating inclusive platforms for farmer-scientist interactions.
Summing up his visit, Shri Chouhan said, “I am not a guest here I am family.” His engagement sent a clear message: the future of Indian agriculture lies in collaborative, farmer-centric innovation, with KVKs as the bridge between lab, land, and lasting impact.
(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Ludhiana)
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